Personnel Committee to discuss Smyrna meeting protocols

The last few Smyrna Town Council meetings have been a point of tension as to how the meetings are run, particularly the recognition of visitos portion.

Jennifer Dailey, reporter

The last few Smyrna Town Council meetings have been a point of tension as to how the meetings are run, particularly the recognition of visitos portion.

Monday's meeting was no different as the topic of meeting protocols was on the agenda.

Councilman Jeff Flairty asked for a town committee to look into council meeting protocols. The suggestion was a result of Mayor Pat Stombaugh reiterating at the last several meetings how the recognition of visitor portion of meetings may change.

Stombaugh even reminded residents in attendance at the meeting prior to public forum that they each had three uninterrupted minutes to speak to council. When those minutes are concluded, council can then ask the individual questions.

Flairty said later in the meeting under new business that while the charter indicates it’s the mayor’s job to preside over meetings, it is the job of council to determine the rules and procedures of meetings.

“We need a standardized way to do this and it’s not something that’s changed based on opinion or subject matter,” Flairty said. “We need a standardized way we all agree on to run our meetings so that things get done and people don’t get offended.”

Stombaugh said a previous council had done just that, but council unanimously approved to send the subject to the Personnel Committee for further discussion.

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